On August 21, 2025, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi granted Imran Khan bail in eight May-9 cases, after the Lahore High Court had rejected it earlier, but he will not be released because the Al-Qadir conviction still keeps him in jail.
These cases involved attacks on military and government sites such as the Lahore Corps Commander’s House and areas around GHQ Rawalpindi during nationwide protests after Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
Even with this legal relief, Khan will not be released yet. He still faces another case where bail is pending, along with separate sentences in corruption cases.
The 9 May Incident
The May 9, 2023, incident refers to violent protests across Pakistan after Khan was taken from the Islamabad High Court. His supporters stormed military sites, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s House and GHQ Rawalpindi, leading to deaths and thousands of arrests.
Initially, military courts handled these cases. In October 2023, the Supreme Court ruled against trying civilians in such courts, but on May 7, 2025, a larger bench restored the Army Act framework, allowing military trials to proceed.
Khan’s Ruling Era
Imran Khan ruled Pakistan from 2018 until 2022. His government worked on anti-corruption measures and social welfare projects. But he lost support from coalition partners and clashed with the military. In April 2022, he was removed from office through a no-confidence vote.
After his removal, Khan faced corruption trials, including the Toshakhana and cypher cases. Some convictions, such as Toshakhana and cipher, were later suspended or overturned, while the Al-Qadir case brought a 14-year sentence in January 2025.
The Current Status of PTI
PTI news today shows a party that is still influential but struggling. The Election Commission removed PTI’s “bat” symbol in December 2023, and on January 13, 2024, the Supreme Court upheld this decision, forcing PTI-aligned candidates to run as independents.
Talks between PTI and the government in 2024 and 2025 failed. PTI had demanded a fair probe into May 9 events, release of its leaders, and an end to military trials. None of these were agreed to.
In mid-2025, anti-terrorism courts sentenced more than 100 PTI leaders, including Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz, to up to ten years in jail. The Election Commission also disqualified several PTI leaders in August 2025, weakening the party’s organizational power.
Imran Khan and Family
The role of Imran Khan and family has become more visible as he remains in jail. His sons, Sulaiman and Qasim, are engaged in lobbying abroad for his release, and Jemima Goldsmith has said they have not been allowed contact with him. The government’s position is that his sons may visit if legal procedures are followed.
His wife, Bushra Bibi, is also in jail after being convicted in the Al-Qadir case in January 2025. Reports about harsh prison conditions and a hunger strike have circulated but remain unverified by top international outlets.
Final Thoughts
- Imran Khan bail in eight cases is a major legal step, though he is not free yet.
- The 9 may incident left deep scars on Pakistan’s politics and law.
- His ruling era promised reforms but ended with clashes and his removal.
- PTI news today reflects a party under pressure, with leaders jailed and its election symbol gone.
- Imran Khan and family continue to stay active, keeping his political story alive even while he is behind bars.
